Author: Scott Asai
Helping people develop their leadership skills to advance in their career
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Why Coaching is Better
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Coaching is Better
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How to Use Your Career GPS
Every time you get in your car, you have a chosen destination. What if you applied this same principle to your career? Despite the economy, you want a career you love (not just work a job). What if there was a career GPS to help you find the way? Good news, there is…
Goals – What do you want to do? Start at the end. Your goals are the steps to accomplishing your vision. You wouldn’t get in a car without knowing where you were headed, so don’t look for a job without knowing what field you desire to be in. Only you know what your dreams entail. Write them down so you can see them daily.
Passions – What do you love doing? What are your hobbies? If all jobs paid the same, what would you choose? You should love your career. It shouldn’t feel like work. The more you love what you do, the more focused and committed you will be. People who are passionate about what they do become positive catalysts for everyone around them!
Strengths – What are you great at? (Notice I did not say “good.”) In what areas are you way above average? What stands out about you? What have others complimented you about multiple times? A strength is a natural talent developed over time. You can be passionate about something, but you also need to be skilled at it. Figure out what you do better than anyone else and get better at it!
Your career GPS consists of your goals, passions and strengths. Finding it is your responsibility. Don’t settle for just a job. Create a career that you love and thrive in. The most successful people identified their career GPS and followed it. Form a Vinn Diagram of your goals, passions and strengths. Your answer lies in the overlap.
What is your career GPS?
Supercharge Your Mental Wellness
There’s a lot of talk about physical wellness, but what about your mental wellness? Think holistically. How do you take care of your brain?
When driving your car, you have blind spots. In life, it’s the same. Working with a coach brings new perspective into your life. A coach cannot change your circumstances, but he/she can help you change the way you view them.
Make sure you are mentally “fit.” Getting your brain in shape may seem like a silly idea, but your thoughts shape your behaviors.
Here are some benefits from working with a coach:
- Increased self-awareness 67%
- Lower stress levels 57%
- Self-confidence 52%
- Productivity 53%
- Job Satisfaction 61%
- Reduced Conflict 52%
Just think how much better your life could be with just ONE of those advantages. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. What we think triggers our emotions, which drives our decisions.
Strong Mind + Strong Emotions = Strong Performance
Ready to improve your mental wellness?
How the NBA Free Agency Changed Corporate America
From LeBron James’ “Decision” to Carmelo Anthony’s desire to leave Denver, the power in the NBA has shifted. No longer are GM’s calling the shots, the players are. This trend has become prevalent in the workforce. Let’s take a look at how it’s changed:
1) Direction
If a player feels his team is not headed in the right direction, he wants out. Today’s worker wants to know the vision of the company. Translation: Make sure employees’ personal visions fit within the larger company vision.
2) Talent
Great players want to be surrounded by other great players. Nothing great is accomplished alone. Keeping talent means catering to their needs. Translation: Figure out how to serve your workers, so they can better serve your customers.
3) Speed
Not only do players want to win, but they want it now. Instead of waiting, they create their own options. Retention may be difficult, but turnover can be deadly. Translation: Create an environment that removes distractions, so workers can focus on achieving goals.
Young Professionals have turned the workforce upside down. Companies have to adapt to keep their future leaders. Invest in your high potentials, they are your greatest asset!
Need strategies to help retain your top talent?
5 Takeaways Marketers Could Learn From Mr. Rogers
Who was a more engaging host than Mr. Rogers? I remember watching an awards show where he received an award and after he thanked everyone he could think of, the crowd burst into tears and gave him a standing ovation. Wouldn’t all of us want to be that great of an influence on at least one person in our lifetime? There was nothing flashy out him, but he stayed true to who he was. Mr. Rogers addressed difficult subjects, but it was the calm style he did it with that captivated people. Even today, he would stand tall because of the relationship he created with his “customers.”
What do you remember about Mr. Rogers? Please share!
Do you Dress for Success?
Presentation can trump Content. People’s first impression of you is how you dress, carry yourself, talk, etc. It’s better to err on the conservative side at first, just to gain respect then as you do, tailor it back. I’d rather have someone criticize me for being overdressed, than not taken seriously because I’m underdressed.
How To Get A Raise
One of my favorite success stories happened with a client a few years ago. Initially, she was skeptical, but 5 months later she became one of my biggest advocates. Here is how she got her raise in 5 steps:
1) Shut Your Mouth
Nobody likes a complainer, especially your boss. If you feel you deserve a pay raise, you’re going to have to prove it with your actions, not your mouth.
2) Work Hard
Actions speak louder than words. Your results and work ethic are your active resume. Do your work better, faster and push yourself.
3) Ask For More
More work precedes more money. Start by asking for more responsibility. Check with your current supervisor. Volunteer for another department. Use your time wisely, because you’re always being watched.
4) Prove Your Worth
Stand out from the crowd. Give your boss a reason to look at you. Work for the job you want, not the job you have. Show you can handle the next level. Don’t expect better compensation until you prove it.
5) Approach Your Boss
After at least a month, you now have the credibility to set up an appointment with your supervisor. Share with him/her how much you want the promotion and highlight what you have accomplished. Do research and present a proposed increase in salary and explain why you deserve it.
There’s no guarantees, but this process worked before my eyes. Proving yourself before opening your mouth is always a good strategy.
Any thoughts? Experiences? Please share!
A Demand for Career Help Sooner?
The reality is: a college degree is no guarantee for a job.
Students are starting to look for career advice earlier because of the urgency the economy has created. I’ve done career coaching with students in high school and college to help them determine a target (career choice) before a school of choice. Why apply to a college that doesn’t have the field you want?
College should be fun, but you’re not paying those big bucks to NOT prepare for the real world.
The earlier you find a career you’re passionate about & love, the better prepared you’ll be to be successful in it!
Statistics say 80% of people are unhappy with their jobs. Are you part of the 20%?
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